Re: What would make you turn up at a Retrobike event? Road/
Good subject to discuss, it shows that people are paying attention to the ride/meet in all aspects. Awareness is always key.
Looking back to may 2010, my first ride that was advertised through retrobike was a 'go and see' affair, i knew not of the riders already signed up and believe it or not i wasn't the only one that just rocked up!
What made me go was a desire to re-kindle a passion for off-road cycling and the bikes themselves, i've always tinkered with 'em. Years of night shifts, late shifts, 80 hrs per week, need to know basis was starting to rub on me. And i boomed from 14 to 17 stone.
on the day......
Did it hurt? yes.
Was the mileage above what i expected? yes.
Was i at the back moaning? yes.
Did i feel i had a lot to learn about remote trails. yes.
In fact, i nearly turned back at least twice as i was way behind and didn't know the route.
All this converted in my mind as a ritual to mtb-ing and how i could improve my own performance.
And what has come of it all is not what i expected or could even imagine back then. As i plan rides out i cover all the essentials and add as much detail as possible so riders have an idea of what is waiting for them, it's not about perfection, just making sure the core elements are in place.
What i am getting at is that i've seen first hand that core information will help digital members come out and play and i incorporate my own experiences when i run a ride myself. Nobody gets left at the back by a mile and bike setup can really help too. Ok, we are all adults but a poor performance on the day can be a real off-putter.
Also, the unexpected can defeat even the best show in town!
FUEL....say no more, i can remember trying to get unleaded below 97/98p and thinking that was reasonable. Now, a rigid 1.30p. To the extent that i have given up trying to be mr normal and owning a car, sold the damn thing. The running costs cannot be met.
So transport to rides is an issue. I am fortunate that some other members can provide a lift to rides and we share the cost somewhere down the line. But i cannot attend alot of rides i would like to because of transport problems.
So, let's gravitate to a positive edge. Look around the forum and other riders for people in your vacinity, car share really is a big benefit and you can chat all the way back and forth!
All of a sudden 3 of you are chipping in a fiver or tenner for a long journey, it seems like heaven.
Hobbies are important so that's why i gave up the jap car scene, It can be expensive so if cycling gets that way then i'm in trouble and isolated, billy no-mates
This cannot be allowed to happen so i keep a small fleet of bikes that can be fixed or upgraded by me at a cost i can anticipate.
What would get me to a ride is advanced info on the planned ride and the ability to get there. Believing a good, non-cliquey, humorous bunch are there too, that's guaranteed anyway.
A parts jumble is a good idea too, I have never seen this with other clubs/mates/riders that meet. They seem too busy and constantly monitor time and satellite connection :roll:
